Taskforce Guardian: Townsville’s frontline in the war against youth crime

Townsville has become the epicentre of the Queensland Police Service’s battle against youth crime, as Taskforce Guardian launched a staggering 13 deployments to the city in its inaugural year, surpassing all other locations in the state. See the video.

Townsville has become the epicentre of the Queensland Police Service’s battle against youth crime, as the Taskforce Guardian team launched a staggering 13 deployments to the city in its inaugural year, surpassing all other police districts in the state.

Since its inception 12 months ago, Taskforce Guardian, formerly known as the flying squad initiative, has been on a mission to clean up the streets of Townsville and beyond.

Made up of specialist police officers and expert youth justice workers, this team has been deployed to hot spot locations across Queensland, aiding local police in their fight against youth offending.

In that time, almost 1200 young people across the state have been charged with more than 4000 offences during 71 deployments.

Additionally, nearly 500 young individuals have been diverted away from the court system, offered a lifeline to steer them away from a life of crime.

Townsville District has been the focal point of Taskforce Guardian’s operations, with 13 deployments resulting in a staggering 286 arrests, 871 charges, and 129 diversions.

The latest blitz saw the team descending upon North Queensland, conducting consecutive deployments in Cairns, Townsville, and Mount Isa, resulting in 80 arrests over a 23-day period in April and May.

Queensland Police have released body worn vision from recent Taskforce Guardian deployments to Townsville as it marks 1-year of operations. Source: QPS

A teenage boy caught carrying a large outside the Townsville Shopping Centre was among the 18 youths police arrested while in Townsville from April 10-16.

Bodycam footage shows the moment officers from Taskforce Guardian approached the teen before telling him to “chill out” when he tried to make a run for it.

The boy panics and tells them, “Just let me grab this,” before pulling out a large kitchen knife hidden in the top of his pants.

“I just carry it for personal use, my protection, stuff like that,” the teen said.

Footage of another arrest shows a boy sleeping on the couch at home before officers arrive and inform him he’s being arrested for breaching his bail after allegedly stealing a car.

Acting Assistant Commissioner Andrew Massingham. Picture: Dan Peled/NCA NewsWire

In the last year, Taskforce Guardian went to the Far North eight times, resulting in 220 arrests and 679 charges. They visited Mount Isa thrice, leading to 55 arrests and 175 charges.

Taskforce Commander Acting Assistant Commissioner Andrew Massingham said their top priority was ensuring the community’s safety and wellbeing.

“This is just the beginning, and while it is very promising to see the impacts Taskforce Guardian and various other initiatives are having across the state, we have more work to do,” he said.

Taskforce Guardian’s efforts have garnered praise from Police Minister Mark Ryan, who noted a decrease in youth offending in areas where the team has been deployed. However, not everyone is convinced of its long-term efficacy.

LNP Shadow Police Minister Dan Purdie has raised concerns that the strategy may offer only a temporary solution for Townsville’s crime issues once the officers return home.

Originally published as Taskforce Guardian: Townsville’s frontline in the war against youth crime